● Male
Supporting Role
FYC: Male Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture
Ben Affleck
“The Tender Bar” Trading his Boston townie credentials for the Yanks of Long Island, Affleck easily slides into the “Wonder Years” tone of this coming-of-age feature, adapted BACKSTAGE 12.13.21
Clooney’s film centers Affleck’s world-weary Uncle Charlie as its wise (and wisecracking) heart.
Jon Bernthal
“King Richard” Bernthal is exceptional as tennis coach Rick Macci. The chameleonic actor is believable in every mode, whether he’s acting as a proxy for the doubt and frustration over Richard’s (Will Smith) unusual approach to managing his daughters’ careers,
from the memoir by Pulitzer Prize winner J.R. Moehringer. The film is based on the author’s own fatherless upbringing as he attempts to break free from his working-class roots, setting his sights on Yale University. George
22
or simply as the comic relief. He emerges as a true standout in an all-around stellar ensemble cast in this story following the rise of tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams.
Reed Birney
“Mass” It’s about time the Tony-winning Birney got the dramatic screen material he deserves. As the father of a school shooter, he uses the tension in his eyes and body backstage.com
COURTESY WARNER BROS. PICTURES
B
ROWSING THIS LIST OF SCENE STEALERS WHOSE onscreen performances were among 2021’s most delightful or devastating (or both), it’s hard not to wish there were more than five SAG Award slots in the category. For your consideration before the Jan. 12, 2022, nominations announcement: this year’s best male supporting film stars!
“CONCRETE COWBOY”: AARON RICKETTS/NETFLIX; “ZOLA”: ANNA KOORIS/A24
WILL SMITH AND JON BERNTHAL IN “KING RICHARD”